DUI Lawyer De Pere, WI

When you get arrested and charged with DUI/OWI in De Pere, get the knowledgeable legal representation you need to pursue a positive outcome to your charges. Contact J. Kippa Law, LLC, for a free initial case evaluation with a DUI/OWI defense attorney to discuss your options for defending your rights and reputation as you face prosecution for intoxicated driving in Brown County.

Understanding DUI/OWI Laws in De Pere

Under Wisconsin law, a driver may face prosecution for DUI/OWI if they operate a motor vehicle:

With a blood/breath alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08 percent or higher
While under the influence of any intoxicant to the degree the driver cannot safely operate their vehicle
With a detectable amount of a restricted controlled substance in their system
While under the influence of a controlled substance or any other drug

Drivers who have three or more DUI/OWI convictions have a lower “per se” BAC limit of 0.02 percent. Furthermore, drivers under 21 must maintain total sobriety when operating a motor vehicle. They may face arrest and prosecution if they drive with any detectable alcohol, drugs, or controlled substances in their system.

Consequences of a DUI/OWI Conviction

The penalties that a court may impose for a DUI/OWI conviction in Brown County will depend on the number of prior convictions a driver has or whether their offense involves aggravating factors, such as causing a motor vehicle accident while driving under the influence or driving with a minor under 16 in the vehicle. Penalties can include:

First Offense – A fine of $150 to $300 and a license revocation of six to nine months
Second Offense, No Prior OWI Within 10 Years Nor Any Injury or Homicide by Intoxicated Driving Offenses – A fine of $150 to $300 and a license revocation of six to nine months
Second Offense Within 10 Years or a Prior Injury or Homicide by Intoxicated Driving Offense – A fine of $350 to $1,100, five days to six months in jail, and a license revocation during confinement plus 12 to 18 months
Third Offense – A fine of $600 to $2,000, 45 days to one year in jail, and a license revocation during confinement plus two to three years
Fourth Offense – A fine of $600 to $10,000, 60 days to six years of incarceration, and a license revocation during confinement plus two to three years
Fifth or Sixth Offense – A fine of $600 to $25,000, one to 10 years in prison, and a license revocation during confinement plus two to three years
Seventh, Eighth, or Ninth Offense – A fine of up to $25,000, three to 12.5 years in prison, and a license revocation during confinement plus two to three years
Tenth or Subsequent Offense – A fine of up to $50,000, four to 15 years in prison, and a license revocation during confinement plus two to three years

In OWI cases resulting in injury, the penalties can be more severe:

No Prior Offenses or Chemical Test Refusals – A fine of $300 to $2,000, 30 days to one year in jail, and a license revocation during confinement plus one to two years
With a Prior Offense or Chemical Test Refusal – A fine of up to $10,000, up to six years in prison, and a license revocation during confinement plus one to two years
Severe Injuries While OWI – A fine of up to $25,000, up to 12.5 years in prison, and a license revocation during confinement plus two years

Penalties for OWI homicide include a fine of up to $100,000, up to 25 years in prison, and a license revocation during confinement plus five years.

Drivers under 21 and commercial drivers convicted of OWI/DUI can also face additional penalties.

DUI/OWI convictions can have other long-term consequences, including a criminal record that may impose a social and professional stigma, especially if you have a conviction for a felony OWI/DUI.

Defenses to DUI/OWI Charges

A driver charged with DUI/OWI in De Pere may have various defense strategies they can pursue against the prosecution’s case. Common defenses in intoxicated driving cases include:

Lack of Evidence of Operating a Motor Vehicle – Defendants may argue that the prosecution’s case lacks evidence proving that a defendant operated a motor vehicle while intoxicated.
Unlawful Traffic Stop – A defendant may argue that the arresting officer lacked reasonable suspicion or probable cause of a traffic violation or criminal offense to justify the stop that led to their OWI/DUI arrest.
Unreliable Field Sobriety Testing – Defendants may identify various issues with field sobriety tests performed during a traffic stop that may call the results of those tests into question.
Unreliable Breath/Blood Test Results – A defendant may contest the reliability of the results of breathalyzer or blood tests performed after their arrest by highlighting issues with the testing, such as the officers’ failure to follow testing protocols or the use of uncalibrated testing equipment.
Unlawful Searches – Defendants may also seek to exclude other evidence from the prosecution’s case by arguing that police found it during an unlawful search.

How Can a DUI/OWI Defense Attorney Help You?

Following an arrest on DUI/OWI charges, a defense lawyer from J. Kippa Law, LLC, can help you protect your interests and seek a favorable resolution to your case by:

Thoroughly investigating your charges to obtain all relevant evidence and identify potential legal strategies we can pursue on your behalf
Explaining your charges and the potential outcomes of your case and preparing you for what to expect when facing the criminal justice system so you can make informed decisions
Pursuing every avenue to secure a favorable outcome as early as possible, including contesting the admissibility, reliability, or sufficiency of the prosecution’s evidence
Fighting hard at each stage of your case to secure the best possible resolution under the circumstances, even when that means going to trial to challenge the prosecution’s case or assert your innocence

Why Choose a Defense Attorney from J. Kippa Law, LLC?

A DUI/OWI arrest can cause you significant embarrassment and worry, as you may become concerned about what a conviction may mean for your record. Turn to a criminal defense lawyer from J. Kippa Law, LLC, to guide you through the criminal justice system as you face prosecution for DUI/OWI because:

Our legal team has an extensive background in criminal law. Our attorneys have worked as prosecutors and defense counsel, having seen criminal cases from both sides of the courtroom. They use their experience and insights into how the state prepares cases to develop innovative legal strategies aimed at securing favorable results for you.
You can rest assured that our lawyers will spend the time and effort necessary to develop a comprehensive, tailored legal strategy. They will help you understand your charges and legal options so you can make informed decisions about how to handle your case.
Our firm will fight vigorously to secure the best possible outcome to your charges under the circumstances of your case, even if you choose to take your case to trial.

Contact Our Firm Today to Discuss Your Legal Options

After police in De Pere arrest you for intoxicated driving, you need experienced legal counsel to protect your rights, reputation, and future. Contact J. Kippa Law, LLC, today for a free, confidential consultation with a DUI/OWI defense attorney to learn more about the importance of early representation for pursuing a favorable resolution to your charges.

J. Kippa Law, LLC

At J. Kippa Law, LLC, you want representation as early as possible. You will work directly with criminal defense attorney Jeffrey Kippa and his team throughout your case. Call 920-733-1100 or contact the law firm online to discuss your situation.